Tracheal Intubation and Mechanical Ventilation in Adults with Severe Salicylate Poisoning.

BACKGROUND: Salicylate poisoning may lead to critical acid-base disturbances. Tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation for patients with severe salicylism has been strongly discouraged. STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe pH trends, complications, and outcomes in a cohort of salicylate-poisoned patients who were intubated. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included adults presenting to the emergency department (ED) with severe salicylate poisoning (serum salicylate concentration >40 mg/dL and admission to an intensive care unit) over a 14-year period (2007-2021). The primary and secondary outcomes were the change in serum pH and the occurrence of severe complications (systolic blood pressure <80 mm Hg, oxygen saturation <80%, or cardiac arrest), respectively, in the 6 h after presentation. RESULTS: Among 32 adults with severe salicylate poisoning (median serum salicylate level 64.2, interquartile range 52.5-70.7), 11 (34%) underwent tracheal intubation. The initial mean pH (±SD) in the no intubation group was 7.48 ± 0.07 and was 7.36 ± 0.04 in the intubation group. The mean absolute difference in pH measured before and after intubation was -0.02 (95% confidence interval -0.11 to 0.07). No severe complications were observed during or up to 6 h after tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: In our single-center experience managing adults with severe salicylate poisoning, tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation were not associated with substantial perturbation of serum pH or severe complications. These findings challenge the current paradigm that these interventions should be avoided in salicylate-poisoned patients.

Pediatric ACL Reconstruction in Children-An Evaluation of the Transphyseal Technique's Efficacy and Safety.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are commonly found in the general population, both among adult and pediatric patients, and their incidence has been increasing in recent years. Most of the late literature agrees that surgical reconstruction of the ACL is effective in improving long-term outcomes in pediatric patients, while others in the past have pleaded for non-surgical management. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: Our study aims to verify if ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using transphyseal technique in skeletally immature patients will provide angular deviations or growth restrictions. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study; Level of evidence 4. METHODS: We perfomed a retrospective study to verify if transphyseal ACLR in children with less than or equal to 2 years of remaining growth leads to either limb length discrepancies or axis deviations. RESULTS: Most patients who were treated using transphyseal technique showed significant improvements in their functional scores. There were statistically significant differences in lateral distal femoral angles (LDFA) and medial proximal tibial angles (MPTA), with no clinical impact. There was no significant limb length discrepancy (LLD) during the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Transphyseal ACLR is safe among children who have less than or equal to 2 years of remaining growth and brings no risk of axis deviations or limb length discrepancy.

New Perspectives of Therapies in Osteogenesis Imperfecta-A Literature Review.

(1) Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare skeletal dysplasia characterized as a heterogeneous disorder group with well-defined phenotypic and genetic features that share uncommon bone fragility. The current treatment options, medical and orthopedic, are limited and not efficient enough to improve the low bone density, bone fragility, growth, and mobility of the affected individuals, creating the need for alternative therapeutic agents. (2) Methods: We searched the medical database to find papers regarding treatments for OI other than conventional ones. We included 45 publications. (3) Results: In reviewing the literature, eight new potential therapies for OI were identified, proving promising results in cells and animal models or in human practice, but further research is still needed. Bone marrow transplantation is a promising therapy in mice, adults, and children, decreasing the fracture rate with a beneficial effect on structural bone proprieties. Anti-RANKL antibodies generated controversial results related to the therapy schedule, from no change in the fracture rate to improvement in the bone mineral density resorption markers and bone formation, but with adverse effects related to hypercalcemia. Sclerostin inhibitors in murine models demonstrated an increase in the bone formation rate and trabecular cortical bone mass, and a few human studies showed an increase in biomarkers and BMD and the downregulation of resorption markers. Recombinant human parathormone and TGF-ß generated good results in human studies by increasing BMD, depending on the type of OI. Gene therapy, 4-phenylbutiric acid, and inhibition of eIF2α phosphatase enzymes have only been studied in cell cultures and animal models, with promising results. (4) Conclusions: This paper focuses on eight potential therapies for OI, but there is not yet enough data for a new, generally accepted treatment. Most of them showed promising results, but further research is needed, especially in the pediatric field.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: How Many Risk Factors Are Needed?

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a progressive condition that lacks clear diagnostic and management protocols, due to insufficient data. While some advocate for universal screening, others recommend using risk factors as landmarks. In this study, we aimed to assess the risk factors associated with DDH incidence among a large population. We conducted a retrospective single-center multifactorial study between January 2019 and March 2022, including 3720 children who were investigated anamnestically, clinically, and through an ultrasound scan. We classified them into two groups: the control group with 3300 healthy children and the study group with 420 newborns diagnosed with DDH. Our analysis identified several risk factors associated with DDH, including gender, prematurity, non-vertex birth presentation, oligohydramnios, gestational diabetes, maternal hypertension, family history, associated deformities, and swaddling. We found that every DDH patient had at least two risk factors. Based on our findings, we recommend that children who present two or more risk factors for DDH be mandatorily evaluated sonographically, as well as children with clinical signs. DDH screening is recommended for each newborn for the long-term benefits of early detection and treatment.

Vitamin D-A Risk Factor for Bone Fractures in Children: A Population-Based Prospective Case-Control Randomized Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is an essential component in calcium metabolism. Seasonality, advanced age, sex, dark skin pigmentation, and limited exposure to sunlight were reported as causes of vitamin D deficiency. This study aims to determine whether children with lower levels of vitamin D suffer more fractures than those with sufficient levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our institution underwent a prospective case-control randomized cross-sectional single-blinded study that included 688 children. They were split into two groups: the study group and the control group. The study group received supplements of vitamin D and calcium for 6 months. Another reference cohort was observed, which comprised 889 patients in the pediatric ward for different respiratory or gastroenterological conditions without a history of fractures. This group was used for age-sex matching tests. RESULTS: Logistic regression showed that with every one unit increase of vitamin D level, the chance of having a middle third fracture in both bones of the forearm decreased by 7% (OR 1.07); distal third fracture incidence decreased by 1.03 times; middle third radius fracture incidence decreased by 1.03 times; distal third radius fracture incidence decreased by 1.06 times. The risk of having a distal third both-bone forearm fracture increased by 1.06 times with every year of age. Comparing the healing process, we noticed an improvement in bony callus formation for patients in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Dosing the serum level of 25-OH-vitamin D should be taken into consideration for pediatric low-energy trauma fractures. Supplementing with vitamin D and calcium throughout childhood can be a solution for healthy bones. Our preliminary results show that the normal level of vitamin D in children should start at 40 ng/mL.

The Use and Complications of Halo Gravity Traction in Children with Scoliosis.

Scoliosis is one of the most frequent spine deformities encountered in children and is regularly discovered after 15 years of age with a girls to boys ratio of 2:1. Vertebral arthrodesis involves both short and long term complications. Neurological complications consist of nerve root injuries, cauda equina or spinal cord deficit. Traction is a good orthopaedic technique of progressive deformity correction which attempts to minimize complications. The purpose of this study is to assess the complications that arise during halo gravity traction and to evaluate the correction of the scoliotic curves under traction. A single centre prospective study was conducted on 19 paediatric patients suffering from scoliosis that were admitted between 2019-2022. Traction-related complications were encountered in 94.7% of patients, with the most frequent being cervical pain (89.5%). It was followed by back pain, in 36.8% of the cases, with just 5.3% of the cases having experienced vertigo or pin displacement. Neurological symptoms were present in 26.3% of the patients and pin pain and pin infection equally affected 26.3% of patients. Even though minor halo related complications are frequent, with proper patient monitoring they can be addressed, thus making traction a safe method for progressive curve correction.

Obstetric fractures in caesarean delivery and risk factors as evaluated by paediatric surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: Obstetric fractures usually occur after complicated births and are sent to paediatric orthopaedics for treatment and follow-up. Clavicle fractures represent the most common orthopaedic birth injury, involving approximately 0.2 to 3.5% of births. HYPOTHESES: Caesarean delivery, elective or necessary, along with the type of presentation, may play a determinant role in the aetiology of obstetric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We chose to do a retrospective study to determine possible risk factors for this type of injury that may manifest in either delivery. Our aim was to deepen our knowledge in order to have a better prediction and a better management of this condition. Data gathered included parity, gestity, type of delivery, presentation, shoulder dystocia, type of fracture, birth weight, and APGAR score. RESULTS: We followed 136 patients that were diagnosed with Allman type I clavicle fracture, 32 of them also having brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) type 1 (Duchenne-Erb). Natural birth with a pelvic presentation imposes a relative risk of 6.2 of associated pathology compared to cranial presentation. Caesarean delivery and cranial presentation increase the risk of related pathology by 5.04 compared to natural birth. Statistically, pelvic presentation is 5.54 times more likely to develop related pathology than cranial presentation. Type of delivery and presentation correlate with associated pathology of clavicle fractures. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Caesarean delivery brings risks for the newborn and should be practiced only when necessary. Predictive modeling in obstetrics in third-trimester evaluations may statistically predict risks of birth complications like fracture and BPBP.

The Role of Arthroereisis in Improving Sports Performance, Foot Aesthetics and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Flexible Flatfoot.

Flexible flatfoot represents one of the most common deformities of the lower limb, affecting children and adolescents. Aesthetic aspect, abnormal gait, pain and fatigue are by far the most important symptoms which determine parents to bring their children to the orthopedist. We set out to conduct a prospective study, case-controlled, including patients with symptomatic flexible flatfeet operated on by arthroereisis surgery and comparing them to a normal feet group of children age- and sex-matched (control group). Minimum follow-up time was 2 years. In total, 33 patients with bilateral arthroereisis were included and 36 patients formed the control group (12.12 +/− 1.85 years vs. 11.81 ± 2.40 years, p = 0.54). Quality of life improved postoperatively (p = 0.18) and was not different from the control group. Median running time improved postoperatively by 2.25 s (p < 0.0001) and got closer to the median running time from the control group (22.30 s compared to 20.94 s, p = 0.01). All radiological angles improved (p < 0.0001), but quality of life improvement was correlated with talonavicular coverage angle and Meary angle measurements. Flatfoot in children and adolescents may be a condition in which the quality of life and sports performance are decreased, compared to healthy children. Arthroereisis is a minimally invasive surgical procedure with a short recovery time and a short period before resumption of sport activities, which can be useful in certain types of flexible flatfoot due to its effectiveness on symptom reduction.

Neurotoxicity and Other Clinical Manifestations of a Common European Adder (Vipera berus) Bite in Romania.

Most cases of envenomation by common European vipers (Vipera berus) have not been reported to have neurotoxic manifestations. However, these manifestations have been demonstrated in some cases of envenomation by subspecies of V. berus, found in the Carpathian Basin region of south-eastern Europe. Here, we report the case of a 5-year-old girl from the south of Romania who presented symptoms of neurotoxicity, as well as other systemic and local symptoms, after being bitten by an adder of the V. berus subspecies. Treatment consisted of monovalent antivenom, a corticosteroid, and prophylactic enoxaparin. Neurotoxic manifestations of envenomation as well as other local and systemic symptoms improved within 5 days of treatment. The presented case shows that venom from V. berus subspecies found in the Carpathian Basin can have neurotoxic effects. This case also confirmed the efficacy of monospecific antivenom treatment in bringing about rapid and complete remission, following envenomation.

mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Reactogenicity among Healthcare Workers: Results from an Active Survey in a Pediatric Hospital from Bucharest, January-February 2021.

In Romania, health and social workers were prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. We aimed to describe the vaccine adverse events identified through an active survey (using an electronic questionnaire) conducted among the staff of a pediatric hospital from Bucharest, vaccinated with the mRNA Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Data on the frequency and duration of adverse events were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Excel, Epi Info, and MedCalc. The questionnaire was sent to 426 persons. The participation rate was 81.2% after 1st dose and 63.8% after the 2nd dose. Overall, 81.9% were women, median age 42 (IQR 32-50 years). A total of 48 respondents (14.8%) reported no adverse event after the 1st dose and 35 (14.1) after the 2nd dose. No anaphylaxis was reported. The most frequent adverse event was pain at injection site, being reported by 261 responders (80.3%) after 1st dose and 187 (75.1%) after 2nd dose. Fatigue and headache were reported significantly less frequently in our study compared with data provided by the vaccine manufacturer. The current study has shown higher local reactogenicity after the first dose of the vaccine and higher systemic reactogenicity after the second dose. This real-world knowledge of the reactogenicity and safety profile may increase the vaccine's acceptance rate among healthcare workers.

Quality of Life Evaluation Using SRS-30 Score for Operated Children and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Background and objective: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (A.I.S.) is a disorder with a significant impact on health and self-image. This spinal deformity can affect between 2% and 4% of the adolescent population and may alter one's quality of life. This study aims to assess the patient outcome, satisfaction, and quality of life following surgical treatment using the SRS-30 questionnaire. Materials and Methods: A number of 49 children and adolescent patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis that had surgery were included in this study. They thoroughly completed the SRS-30 questionnaire before and after the surgery, based on which data analysis was carried on. Correlations between the test results and imagistic data (pre- and postoperative Cobb angle, correction rate of Cobb angle, number of instrumented spinal segments, and number of pedicle screws/laminar hooks used in the surgery) were performed. Results: Our results showed that 87.76% of the patients were girls, and the mean age at surgery was 14.83 years. Postoperatively, the Cobb angle improved significantly (p < 0.0001). The questionnaire domain "Satisfaction with management" improved dramatically after surgery, averaging 13.65 points (91% out of the maximum score). The average postoperative test score was 125.1 points. Statistically significant correlations were found between the correction rate and SRS-30 score improvement (p < 0.001), in total as well as per each domain of the survey, respectively. Comparing the questionnaire domains, "Self-image" was positively correlated with "Satisfaction with management" (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Better correction rate led to higher values of SRS-30 score. Additionally, the younger the age at surgery is, the higher the score. The number of instrumented spinal segments does not alter the quality of life. Overall, the most crucial factor influencing patient satisfaction after surgical treatment is self-image.

Traumatic Hip Dislocation Associated with Proximal Femoral Physeal Fractures in Children: A Systematic Review.

Traumatic hip dislocation might lead to serious complications and a poor outcome. Fortunately, it is a rare condition in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to establish and describe the complications caused by hip dislocations associated with transphyseal femoral neck fractures. Therefore, we conducted a literature review that resulted in 11 articles, including 32 patients, older than 10 years of age, suffering from traumatic hip dislocation associated with a transphyseal femoral neck fracture. We presented a case series of three patients with hip fracture-dislocation treated in our clinic that were also evaluated and included in the study. For the 35 patients included in the study group, the percentage of avascular osteonecrosis after hip fracture-dislocation was 88.57%. Traumatic hip dislocation associated with transphyseal femoral neck fracture is a rare condition and has a poor prognosis because of the high incidence of femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN). Reduction should be attempted within six hours the from injury, but this may not minimize the risk of AVN if transphyseal separation occurs. The approach may influence the development of AVN; lateral approach of the hip with great trochanter osteotomy seems to have the lowest number of cases of AVN.

Controlling the Progression of Curvature in Children and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Following the Administration of Melatonin, Calcium, and Vitamin D.

Idiopathic scoliosis affects a severe number of children. Their quality of life and development are also disturbed. Some therapeutic strategies have been developed to control illness progression and to optimize the quality of life. In this perspective, randomized, case-control, interventional study, the impact of using melatonin, calcium, and vitamin D, respectively, on idiopathic scoliosis patients was analyzed. Our preliminary results showed that these drugs positively affected the illness progression quantified by the spine curvature. Patients with idiopathic scoliosis may benefit from a novel treatment by supplementation with vitamin D, calcium, and melatonin.

Advantages of Telescopic Screw in Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis Treatment: A Retrospective Study and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is due to proximal femur physis failure in adolescent patients. Early iatrogenic closure of proximal growth cartilage in children with significant residual growth potential causes complications such as coxa breva, coxa vara, and lower limb length inequalities. The Free-Gliding SCFE Screw System is a self-extending cannulated screw used in Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) fixation and femoral neck fractures. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We conducted a retrospective study on 16 patients. All patients under 11 years old were treated by telescopic cannulated screws fixation. The youngest patient was 7 years old. RESULTS: Out of the 22 operated hips, 2 screws have failed, thus resulting in a lack of telescoping of the screw. We discovered an average lengthening of approximately 10 mm at 24 months postoperative check-up in 20 hips in which lengthening took place. According to the Notzli method, none of the patients had an alpha angle value greater than 48 degrees. CONCLUSION: Fixation with telescopic screw for SCFE in patients less than 11 years old, with mild to moderate slippage, allows the continuous growth and remodeling of the proximal femur, thus avoiding deformities such as coxa breva, coxa vara, FAI, AVN, limb length discrepancies and also allows good range of motion.

Efficiency of platelet-rich plasma therapy for healing sports injuries in young athletes.

In recent years, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been a subject of controversy in orthopedics field. Our objective was to assess the efficiency of PRP therapy for patients who have suffered grade 2 meniscal lesions and grade 2 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) lesions, graded by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A retrospective observational study was conducted, which included 72 young recreational athletes who had been diagnosed with grade 2 meniscal injury, graded using MRI, that benefited from PRP therapy as an enhancement of the primary treatment, after cast immobilization. The Lysholm score, the pain intensity and the resuming of the physical activity before the PRP treatment and one month after were analyzed. Our study revealed that patients had an improved subjective perception of pain after PRP therapy and an improvement of the Lysholm score. Concurrently, 83.3% of patients could return to sports and daily physical activity. It can be concluded that PRP therapy is a safe, easy to manage treatment, efficient for pain relief and in resuming of sports activities for young recreational athletes who have sustained partial meniscal or ACL tears. In terms of pain relief, it appears that the PRP therapy could be more efficient for young patients with ACL injuries.

Evaluating the Functional Outcomes and the Quality of Life for Pediatric Patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta after Fracture Treatment with Intramedullary Rodding.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare pathology involving the bones and the connective tissues, generating alterations that lead to frequent fractures during childhood. When fractures occur at birth, they are associated with an impairment of walking and the quality of life. Although surgical techniques have significantly improved in recent years, functional outcomes and the quality of life for pediatric patients that benefited from surgical management with telescopic rods have been less evaluated. This study aimed to measure functional results and determine the factors that influence the quality of life for the pediatric population diagnosed with Osteogenesis imperfecta and surgically treated using the telescopic rod approach after suffering a fracture or severe deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cohort study that consisted of 15 patients diagnosed with Osteogenesis imperfecta (average age of 11.6 years). All individuals possessed at least one intramedullary telescopic rod as a result of the surgical treatment. RESULTS: We observed that the pain, both acute and chronic, impairs the quality of life and interferes with daily living activities, for instance, self-care tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Osteogenesis imperfecta is associated with a severely damaged level of walking. All of the aspects of the pediatric patient's daily life activity seem to be affected. Furthermore, these patients, especially those residing in rural areas, have a poor quality of life.

A Prospective Cohort Study on Quality of Life among the Pediatric Population after Surgery for Recurrent Patellar Dislocation.

Patellofemoral instability is a frequent cause of knee pathology affecting quality of life among the pediatric population. Here, we present a prospective cohort study which included patients who had undergone surgical management using the lateral release and medial imbrication approach (LRMI) or medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFL-R). The object of this study was to assess the quality of life among children that have undergone surgical treatment for patellar dislocation. Quality of life was assessed before and after surgery using the Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee form (Pedi-IKDC), a questionnaire that aims to quantify knee functionality. Postoperative scarring was evaluated using The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale. One hundred and eight patients were selected and grouped according to the type of procedure. Before surgery, the two groups had similar mean Pedi-IKDC scores (41,4 MPFL-R vs. 39,4 LRMI p = 0.314). Improvements were observed in the postoperative scores. The MPFL-R technique showed promising outcomes. When comparing the two surgical groups, there was a significant difference in favor of MPFL-R group (MPFL-R 77.71 points vs. LRMI 59.74 points, p < 0.0001-95% CI (11.22-24.72)). Using the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale, a significant difference in scar quality in favor of MPFL-R was observed (4,5 MPFL-R vs. 2,77 LRMI p = 0.002). In conclusion, this study provides objective evidence-based outcome assessments that support the medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction technique as the gold standard for patellofemoral instability.

The Relationship between the Dominant Hand and the Occurrence of the Supracondylar Humerus Fracture in Pediatric Orthopedics.

It is known that during a fall, a child would rather protect their dominant hand by using the non-dominant one, although the role of handedness in upper limb fractures has not been studied in-depth. We carried out a retrospective, cross-sectional cohort study, including pediatric patients who presented to the emergency room with a supracondylar humerus fracture following an injury by falling from the same height. In total, 245 patients were selected and grouped according to age. In the 1-3 years group, no statistical significance was found between hand dominance and the side of fracture (p = 0.7315). During preschool years (4-6 years old), the non-dominant hand is more often involved (p = 0.03, odds ratio: 3.5). In the 7-14 years group this trend was maintained and actually increased (p = 0.052, odds ratio: 3.8). We might conclude that children tend to protect their dominant hand by falling on their non-dominant one. The main objective of this study is to highlight a link between handedness and the side of the body where the hand fracture will be identified in the pediatric population, regarding supracondylar humerus fracture.

Quality of Life after Flatfoot Surgery in the Pediatric Population.

Flatfoot is a common deformity in the pediatric population and has a multitude of causes. Sometimes, it can be a normal finding in children, and treatment should not be guided only based on the appearance, but rather after thoroughly assessing the patient and the impact it has on the child's daily life. In this paper, we describe the quality of life that the patients are experiencing after the surgical treatment of this pathology. We made a comparison between the most used techniques for correcting flatfoot and insisted on the postoperative comfort of the patient, rehabilitation, and the time it took to get back to their daily routine. The comparison was made between Mosca calcaneal lengthening osteotomy, Grice extraarticular arthrodesis, arthroereisis and triple arthrodesis of the foot. All of the surgeries were performed by the same doctor at "Grigore Alexandrescu" Emergency Hospital for Children in Bucharest. From the data collected, we propose that newer, minimally invasive techniques could be used in treating this pathology in order to help the patient feel better in the postoperative period and avoid some of the complications regularly encountered when using the old techniques.

Poor prognostic factors of femoral shaft fractures in children treated by elastic intramedullary nailing.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral shaft fractures in pediatric patients are treated by elastic intramedullary nailing using titanium or stainless-steel nails. The elastic stable intramedullary nailing behaves as an internal splint, promoting early mobilization. This type of treatment involves a minimally invasive approach, no damage to the growth plates, and no impairment of femoral head blood supply. PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to identify the negative predicting factors that might lead to an increased complication rate after elastic stable intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in children. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on 137 patients with femoral shaft fractures treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing. Patients' age ranged between 4 and 17 years. We used data from the medical records of the patients to evaluate postoperative complications. Plain radiographs were analyzed to determine the fracture type, fracture location, and postoperative complications such as delayed union, angular deformities, and limb length discrepancies. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors for poor outcomes. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 29 patients (21%) and consisted of delayed union, axial deformities, or lower limb length discrepancies. In the group of patients that suffered from complications, mechanism of injury, age, and weight were significant. They were older by an average of 5 years; half of them weighed more than 50 kg and over a half were involved in a road traffic accident. CONCLUSIONS: Elastic nailing is a successful tool to treat femoral shaft fractures. Three factors were demonstrated to influence the outcome. The mechanism of injury, age > 11 years, and weight > 50 kg are the most important and are predictors for development of complications such as delayed union or deformity.